Abstract [en]

Experiencing stress is a part of life. It is a state where imbalance occurs between resources and demands. A condition that is not dangerous but has helped us humans survive by activating the body at acute danger for millions of years. Today the acute dangers are completely different from predators. It can be a deadline to pick up at preschool. There is no quick-fix for stress, but we need to learn methods in order to handle stress. One of the most important methods for humans is talking to each other.

Initially I did a research to find out what stress is, who are at risk and what methods there is to handle stress. I contacted Aleksander Perski, psychologist and researcher within stress, which led to a meeting with Giorgio Grossi, psychotherapist and researcher within stress at Stressmottagningen in Stockholm, and Linn Almlöf, psychologist at Stressmottagningen. Contact were also made with the Social Insurance Agency, to find out their view on stress and to take part of statistics.

Based on the research, a probe-kit was made with tools and methods to use at work and at home, both to use for themselves and together with others. Two women at risk, according to reports from the Swedish Social Insurance Fund, tested the kit for two weeks. The tool ”How do I feel” - a method to do with the ones who you live with, to reflect on your day individually and then talk about it – was noticed by both of the women’s families and therefore chosen for further development.

After this, user tests and workshops were made with one of the women and her family, as well as with two new families that consisted of adult and children and also two adults. The result was the design proposal Yoy – the barometer of emotions. A tool to use at home that invites reflection and conversations on our feelings and moods.

By reflecting on our day, we can use Yoy to show others how and what we feel. The design proposal strives to convey mood by placing beads on a stack. This visualizes – both to ourselves but also to family members - how we feel. The beads also convey feelings in a way that the beads have different colors and tactility. Each stack where the beads are being placed, is unique to each family member.

To talk about our feelings and moods together creates a sense of unity and safety. We humans are strengthened mentally by speaking to someone we trust. Also, listening to others and sharing experiences strengthens the feeling of ‘we have each other.’ In user studies, Yoy has started to create a deeper conversation about how each family member feels. It has made them pay more attention to each other and also dare to show feelings.

To Yoy - the barometer of emotions there is also a lamp that portrays the family’s feelings. Each arm around the lamp represents a member of the family. The beads on the arms are being placed depending on the mood. Thereby the lamp changes expression and gives an overview of the family’s status.